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5 talking points from India's victory in the 3rd ODI
08 Feb 2018
India are inching closing to the number one ODI rank in the world after a comprehensive 124 run victory over South Africa in the 3rd ODI.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli's habit of breaking records continues as he scored his 55th international hundred, while spinners, Kuldeep and Chahal yet again left the Proteas bamboozled.
Here are the 5 talking points.
Virat Kohli is a cut above the rest
"King Kohli"
There is just one question in every fan's mind, is Virat Kohli the ODI player ever?
The Indian skipper scored his 34th ODI century and 55th international hundred in the 3rd match. His innings helped India post a great score.
Before this tour, he had ODI hundreds in 8 of 9 nations he had played in, now he has already scored 2 in SA.
Rohit Sharma's nightmare in South Africa continues
Conundrum
There is no doubt about Rohit Sharma's talent as a cricketer.
After all, he is the only cricketer on the planet with 3 ODI double hundreds to his name.
However, the Mumbai born batsman just cannot play on South African pitches.
His highest ODI score in SA remains 23 and he averages a meagre 12.10 after 11 games.
Chahal-Kuldeep are the architects of South Africa's downfall
Spin twins
India's spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have become nightmares for the Proteas in the series.
In the 3rd ODI, both of them took a 4 wicket haul, taking their wicket tally to 21 in 3 matches.
The spin twins have found a way to get the better of their opposition even on pitches that don't offer much to spinners.
Dhawan has been no less of a hero
Sidekick
Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan deserves a pat on his back.
The southpaw is the second highest run-getter in the series behind Virat Kohli.
With his opening partner Rohit Sharma struggling to find his feet, Dhawan has played brilliantly to aid his captain.
While Kohli took time to settle in, Dhawan took the pressure off his shoulders with a brisk 63-ball 76.
Proteas left with no place to hide
On your turf
Before heading into this series, South Africa had mustered 17 successive wins at home.
But in came the Indian juggernaut and SA have now faced their 3rd-successive defeat.
India have not only avoided their first series defeat in South Africa with 3 games left to play but will also dethrone the Proteas from the top ODI ranking spot if they win the next fixture.
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